Politics 26 August 2026 Nile Post
Kitagwenda Swearing-in Halted Amidst Election Dispute
The swearing-in ceremony for Kitagwenda District's newly elected village and Local Council II chairpersons was abruptly halted by the RDC due to protests over the exclusion of an NRM chairperson-elect whose election is under dispute. Tensions flared as supporters voiced frustration over the late notification regarding the suspension. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/366833/kitagwenda-rdc-halts-swearing-in-after-protest-over-exclusion-of-chairperson-elect
A planned swearing-in ceremony for newly elected village and Local Council II chairpersons in Kitagwenda District was brought to a standstill on Tuesday. The disruption occurred after the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Isaiah Kanyamahane Byarugaba, intervened following protests that erupted over the exclusion of Justus Kakira, the elected chairperson for Ntara Central Cell.
Sources indicate that the Kitagwenda Town Council ceremony was thrown into disarray when the Town Clerk, Enock Kakwihikire, announced that Kakira would not be sworn in. The reason cited was an ongoing challenge to his election by his opponent, a decision that had apparently not been communicated to Kakira or his supporters in a timely manner.
Kakira and his supporters expressed dismay, stating they had arrived prepared for the ceremony and only learned of the suspension on the day itself. They criticized the Electoral Commission for the last-minute notification, which they felt created unnecessary confusion and tension within the community. Kakira himself stated he was surprised by the decision, having received no official communication regarding the cancellation of his swearing-in.
Francis Kagoro, the Kitagwenda District Electoral Officer, clarified that the Electoral Commission’s directive is to suspend the swearing-in of any candidate whose election results are under dispute, pending the resolution of petitions. This policy aims to ensure that only those with definitively established victories assume office.
Despite the explanation, supporters remained insistent that Kakira should take his oath, raising concerns about potential unrest. To de-escalate the situation and allow the Electoral Commission to address the outstanding complaints, RDC Byarugaba ordered the postponement of the entire ceremony. A new date will be announced once the disputes are resolved.
This incident highlights the challenges that can arise from unresolved election disputes in the lead-up to local leaders assuming their duties. Kitagwenda is one of several districts experiencing such post-election petitions following the recent village elections across the country.